A review by jazzy_cat
In the Mecca by Gwendolyn Brooks

4.0

I read this book as background for understanding an artwork called Prairie by Victor Burgin. He references Gwendolyn Brooks and her 'In the Mecca' poem whilst talking about the old Mecca apartment building which was demolished and the modernist building S.R.Crown Hall now in its place. After doing a bit of research I found not only could I understand artwork but also the references in the poem. There is an incredible amount to unpack from this poem. Even if you don't look at the history before reading it is a brilliant and provides snapshots into the lives of people living in a building that slowly deteriorated into slums.